Prodeca presents export support services in Reus

Prodeca has taken part in the internationalisation event of the Hub Foodtech & Nutrition in Reus. Marc Oliveras, Head of the Knowledge and Strategy Area, presented the services to help agri-food companies select markets, prepare for export and find international buyers.

The meeting brought together some forty professionals from agri-food companies, associations and institutions, and the programme combined presentations on the international context, logistics and customs procedures with the presentation of support programmes and business experiences.

Commercial promotion and information for decision-making

Oliveras placed Prodeca's internationalisation services in context in a sector with annual exports close to €17 billion, more than 3,200 regular exporting companies and a presence in nearly 200 markets. He also highlighted the external projection of agri-food products from the comarques of Tarragona and Terres de l'Ebre.

Faced with an environment shaped by competition, geopolitical tensions and trade barriers, he stressed the need to plan market access with specialised information. This work helps guide companies' resources towards the destinations best suited to their products and objectives.

The presentation covered Prodeca's two main lines of activity. In commercial promotion, it outlined group participation in trade fairs, trade missions and meetings with importers and distributors, together with prospecting trips, reverse missions and actions under the Catalan Food brand.

These actions facilitate ongoing contact with international operators and an understanding of their needs. Relationships with buyers and opinion leaders make it possible to detect demand, follow the evolution of marketing channels and guide the promotion activities of Catalan companies.

In the area of knowledge, Oliveras presented market intelligence reports, export monitoring and digital resources. Among the tools available, he highlighted the Prompts Guide for agri-food exports and the Food Export Test, as well as the specialised training and mentoring of the Prodeca Export Pime programme.

Selecting markets according to product and company

The presentation also addressed the main strategic markets for the sector's internationalisation in the years ahead. Europe remains the main destination for Catalan agri-food exports, where work is under way to expand commercial presence and increase the value of products. In the United States, actions are focused especially on high-value-added offerings.

Oliveras referred to activities in China, Japan, South Korea and the Gulf countries, as well as the potential of India and Southeast Asia. He also outlined the work in Mexico and Brazil and the prospecting of African markets, with a selection adapted to each sector and company.

Collaboration between support bodies

Prodeca shared the block of support programmes with the Reus Chamber of Commerce, ACCIÓ and ICEX. The session included business experiences, the presentation of the Hub's internationalisation working group and a networking space for participants.

Oliveras highlighted the institutional coordination that complements services for companies and presented the resources on the Prodeca website. The support aims to expand the exporting base, diversify destinations and increase the value of what is sold abroad.